We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexcina Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexcina, how do you think about risk?
For me, taking risks is inevitable. It has been very instrumental in life. Risks have helped me to learn and grow in all of my ventures. When I started modeling, I didn’t have guidance, contacts, nor a clue on what I was doing; knowing that I was stepping into a world of constant rejection and sometimes, dead ends. However, in taking the step to start, the direction came, I gained contacts and opportunities. In writing, I self-published my books without waiting on a company to validate my work. I believed so much in myself that I knew I could fly on my own.

I’ve jumped right into it and wasn’t afraid to learn along the way and I definitely wasn’t afraid to fail. Sometimes the biggest risk is simply betting on yourself. My latest major risk was moving to New York City. I was starting over for the third or fourth time and felt that this would be a great way to open new doors of opportunity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a print model, web producer for a consulting company, and author (under the pen name The Blakk Dahlia). I’m most proud of the fact that these ventures came to me while starting from scratch and I’m able to maintain these on my own. I created the websites, marketing materials, handle official communications, and everything in between. Lastly, I didn’t allow the word “No” to keep me from doing what I love.

In modeling, I started in Atlanta, GA working with photographers, stylists, MUAs in their print/photography projects. Then, doors opened in runway modeling for indie fashion houses and designers as well as commercial print projects. Through constantly promoting myself along with pitching myself to media outlets for magazine editorials/features, I was able to gain the title of being an internationally published model. Although I have worked with agencies in the past, in this competitive market, it is important to show that you’re willing to put in the work in getting bookings and press on your own as well.
Recently, I released a self-portraits project. Showcasing my modeling in my own home. COVID-19 took away opportunities so that was a way to keep modeling, even if I just modeled for my own creativity.
Becoming an author was another way I’ve started with a blank page and turned it into a new venture for myself. I began writing a book series, the Heartbreak Diaries, in 2014. In 2018, I self-published my first book and now I have four books on the market (“Rushing to Distraction”, “Wrong Vengeance”, “Devastation or Destiny???”, & “The Perfect Sin”) I’m also working to release my fifth book, “Replacement”, this Summer!
What sets me apart is that I don’t try to do what everyone else is doing. So, what I like to do is create and stay in my lane; finding where I fit in and working it to my advantage. My goal isn’t to be famous or rich; I just want to be at peace and happy in doing what I love. With that, I tend to find new avenues that fulfill me personally and professionally.
It’s never easy when you’re going at it alone. At first, it seems like you’re the only one cheering for yourself but once you keep going, you’ll find that the “people” will come.
I’ve faced challenges in balancing these ventures combined with “adulting” and conquering regular life obstacles. Along the way, I’ve learned to rest but don’t quit, don’t take rejection too personally, and don’t count myself out because there’s always something around the corner.
What I’d like the world to know about me is that you can be more than one thing. You don’t have to limit yourself. Overall, I like to classify myself as a “Creator”. One career/venture doesn’t define me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we’d go to Little Five Points for a nice walk; catching up on girl talk, take pics by murals (for the gram), and patronize small businesses in the area. I’m a big foodie, so it is a MUST to visit a few of my fav restaurants, 10th and Piedmont, the Real Milk and Honey, Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar, and completing the “food tour” with Sunday brunch at Negril for shrimp and grits with bottomless mimosas. But the most fun I’ve ever had in ATL is random nights with friends which ended up at Cafe Istanbul. Since COVID put a halt to some of that, I’d love to end the visit with a kickback at my best friend, Sher’s, house.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my grandmother, the late Eva C. Williams. Thanks for instilling a strong foundation of faith in our family. Thanks for your sacrifices so that I could be able to reach my dreams. Thanks for your constant prayers. Lastly, thanks for continuously watching over me. I hope you’re proud!

Website: www.AlexcinaBrown.com

Instagram: @code.name.alexcina

Twitter: @tweetalexcina

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexcinabrown

Other: Author pages: Website: http://www.TheBlakkDahlia.com
IG: @blakkdahliawrites
FB: www.facebook.com/TheBlakkDahlia

Image Credits
Credit: Lexi Cook

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